The Danger Is Hidden in Plain Sight
Is your baby a container baby?
Since the successful implementation of the Back to Sleep program, research now indicates we have a new problem on our hands—Container Baby Syndrome (CBS). If your baby prefers to sleep in her car seat or some other similar piece of equipment, your baby is at risk for developing CBS.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, CBS is a collection of movement, behavior, and other problems caused by a baby or infant spending too much time in a container such as:
- Car seats
- Strollers
- Bumbo seats
- Bouncy swings
- Rockers
- Bouncer seats
- Nursing cushions
- Vibrating chairs
- Jumpers
- Exersaucers
- Activity gyms/centers
According to some researchers, the incidence of CBS has increased by 600% since 1992 when the Back to Sleep program was first initiated.
While you may feel your baby is safer in the container and you enjoy the convenience, she may actually be at risk for delayed development in rolling, crawling, and walking.
Add to that, extensive time in a baby container places your baby at risk for developing problems such as:
- Flat head – the back or the side of the head is abnormally flat
- Facial asymmetry – the sides of the baby’s face may appear unequal as a result of skull deformity and flatness
- Torticollis – the baby has difficulty turning the head to one side, or keeping the neck and head straight due to muscle tightness on one side of the neck
- Decreased movement, strength, and coordination of the body
- Speech, sight, hearing, and thinking problems
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Increased weight/obesity
If your baby is spending a lot of time snug as a bug in a rug in her container, she may let you know she doesn’t like playing on her tummy. As her displeasure escalates and the crying increases, many new parents think something is wrong and she’s hurting. So, they put her back in her happy place. After all, everyone loves a quiet and happy baby.
But as any seasoned parent or grandparent likely knows, tummy time is good for your baby and, with time and practice, she’ll learn to enjoy it.
Tummy time is integral to your baby’s development of the strength and power necessary to eventually learn to roll, sit, crawl, and walk. So, build time for it in her schedule. It is important!
If your baby already has flat spots or neck tightness, contact your pediatrician. It is not an emergency but make an appointment soon.
Here’s my YouTube video on how to quickly and easily check if your baby can look to both sides.
If your baby cannot turn her head to both sides or is always looking to one side, contact your pediatrician. Your baby may have torticollis and will need physical therapy. If this is necessary, please advocate for a pediatric physical therapist.
If your baby is showing signs of developmental delay, you can also request a developmental evaluation at your local early intervention office. Find that here.
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(Photo from Pixabay)
